HYMN.

WHEN human hopes and joys depart,
I give thee, Lord, a contrite heart,
And, on my weary spirit steal,

The thoughts that pass all earthly weal.

I cast above my tearful eyes,

And muse upon the starry skies;

And think, that he, who governs there, Still keeps me in his guardian care.

I gaze upon the opening flower,

Just moistened with the evening shower, And bless the love which made it bloom, To chase away my transient gloom.

I think, whene'er this mortal frame
Returns again from whence it came,
I shall but slumber in the ground,
Till heaven's awakening trumpet sound;
Then wing my spirit's happy flight
To regions of eternal light!

LINES.

O THOU, upon whose cheek the rose
Of stainless purity still glows;

Upon whose lip still dwells the smile
Of innocence, that knows no guile :
Whose uncontaminated youth

Still listens to the voice of truth;
Who still canst boast thy early prime,
Unsullied by the taint of crime;
Thy foot life's threshold is upon,
O pause, ere yet thy hopes be gone!
For lo! upon thy dangerous way,
The passions wait to seize their prey;
Ambition calls thee to the strife,

Where man, against his brother's life

Wields the bright sword, and points the spear,

Exulting in the orphan's tear;

And Mammon offers stores untold,

Which Avarice counts, of shining gold;

And Pride his bloated face displays;
And Vanity, in her own praise

Speaks long and loud; and Folly tells
His pointless tale, and shakes his bells;
And weak Conceit, with mincing mien,
Still walks where Folly's steps have been:
While each obeys the potent call

Of Vice, who governs, Lord o'er all.
O nobler aims, and hopes more fair,
Shall claim thy young and studious care;
Wisdom shall lead thy wandering feet,
To her calm bowers and cool retreat;

And Science in her academe,

Shall tell thee of each lofty theme:
And Poesy thy heart o'erwhelm,

And lead thee thro' her fairy realm;

And thou, with her shalt wander o'er
Old Grecia's laurel-circled shore,
And drink that soul-inspiring fount,
That wanders down the forked mount;
And thou shalt love the tales that tell
How Freedom's godlike children fell;
And feel the glorious theme inspire,
Within thy breast, a kindred fire.
Or should thy young steps turn aside,
Divine philosophy shall guide;
Shall fill with better hopes thy heart,
Subliming every mortal part;

Till in thy pure soul's simple grace,
Virtue shall find her perfect place.